Maybe the most fundamental aspect of education, literacy should be something every child can genuinely enjoy learning. We reckon it’s time to ditch the pen and paper for a while and intertwine this crucial skill into the way kids absorb without really trying. When they play.

1. Reading Nook

In a nutshell – Making up a cosy spot just for book time is a great trick to create positive reading connections even for the most resistant little ones. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, just gather some fluffy pillows, pile up some books and separate your snuggly corner with a cardboard wall.

What you need –

Pillows

Books

Light

Cosy Accessories

2. Song Sticks

In a nutshell – Glue some simple symbols from your favourite nursery rhymes and songs to create the sticks. Then let kids choose one and guess what it stands for before they sing. Rhymes are not only a great way of developing listening and speaking skills but also work as a great social exercise. Perfect for quick interludes too!

What you need –

Wide Craft Sticks (or just ice cream ones)

Labels (free printables available)

Glue

Scissors

Pen

Small Cup

3. Tracing Letters

In a nutshell – Why not try some creative alternatives to those printed worksheets? Take the learning outside and draw letters with chalk on the pavement so that kids can fill the spaces with pebbles or erase them carefully with a fizzy mixture. It’s immersive and makes children focus on each letter for a longer time.

4. Secret Letters

In a nutshell – Sprinkle a little bit of magic into your children’s day. Take a white crayon and write some letters or short words on a white piece of paper. Hand kids some watercolour paints and watch their amazement when they discover secret marks coming up out of nowhere…

6. Train Track

In a nutshell – A nifty way to sneak in some EYFS teaching to pure fun. Write letters on the toy train track parts and let kids’ imagination go wild with building the paths and connecting different letters to make up some familiar words. Later, encourage children to say the letters out loud when their vehicles drive over the writings.

What you need –

Wooden Tracks

Pens

Glue

Paper

7. Who Am I?

In a nutshell – It’s a classic, adjusted to our EYFS literacy needs. Tell each kid to first write down a word they have learnt recently and then stick it to their friend’s forehead so that they can guess what the word is without looking at it. Feel free to play around with the questioning rules to make sure that all the little participants can get involved!

What you need –

Sticky Notes

Pens

8. Alphabet Museum

In a nutshell – It’s a classic, adjusted to our EYFS literacy needs. Tell each kid to first write down a word they have learnt recently and then stick it to their friend’s forehead so that they can guess what the word is without looking at it. Feel free to play around with the questioning rules to make sure that all the little participants can get involved!

What you need –

Sticky Notes

Pens

9. Letter Hunt

In a nutshell – Write letters around the edge of a paper plate and cut in between each letter. Next time you are somewhere outdoors, give the kids the plates and have them fold down the letters as they spot them in their surroundings. You can create groups and turn this activity into a playful competition.

What you need –

Paper Plates

Markers

Scissors

10. Spelling with LEGO

In a nutshell – Good, old LEGO comes to the rescue yet again. Write two to four-letter words on the long blocks and see if the little ones can recognise the marks and find single, corresponding blocks to stick on top of them.competition.

What you need –

LEGO

A Marker

Free Next Steps Guide

Interested in more? Download our full guide to identifying next steps in the EYFS, completely free.